Cisco said it will provide its ASR 5500 platform as the foundation for VHA's Evolve Packet Core. The platform includes traffic management and network analytics designed to help optimise customer experience on the network.

Vodafone plans to turn on its 4G network next month in selected metropolitan areas. The number-three telco has been fighting to repair what its CEO Bill Morrow has referred to as a "damaged" brand image stemming from an "inconsistent and sometimes uncompetitive customer experience..."

Vodafone's selection of the Cisco platform is part of the telco's commitment to providing a "great 4G network experience," said Vodafone CTO Cliff Woo in a statement.

"We believe the implementation of Cisco's technology will provide VHA a Packet Core platform that we can scale to meet the data demands of our customers, now and in the future," he said.

"Moreover this platform gives us the opportunity to go beyond traditional mobile services and allows us to create more personalised services for customers."

Ovum analyst Nicole McCormick said she was surprised by Vodafone's withdrawal from the auction. "We think it would have been a sensible long-term spectrum insurance policy for Vodafone to have picked up 2.5GHz spectrum for data traffic management purposes in the metro areas," she said.